The UK-French policy aimed at intercepting migrant dinghies faces scrutiny after a leaked coastguard log detailed a failed attempt to prevent a dinghy from reaching the UK. The number of small boat arrivals has surged, increasing by around 50% this year, with over 21,000 crossings recorded in 2025. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced a deal allowing one asylum seeker to enter the UK legally for each irregular arrival returned to France. On 9 July, a slashed dinghy still managed to transport passengers to the UK despite French intervention.
The flagship UK-French policy to intercept migrant dinghies at sea is facing safety and viability concerns following a coastguard log revealing a boat-slashing incident that failed to stop illegal crossings.
Despite a government pledge to stop overcrowded dinghies, small boat arrivals in the UK have increased by about 50% compared to last year, with over 21,000 crossings in 2025.
At a recent meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a one in, one out deal concerning the legal travel of asylum seekers between the UK and France.
On 9 July, the French gendarmerie punctured a dinghy to intervene in its departure, but despite this, the dinghy managed to pick up more passengers and reached the UK.
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